Showing 1-69 of 69 items found in Outdoors & Play

Location for many events including craft shows, auto shows, animal shows, softball & volleyball games, and the Boone County Fair (held in August). Also see one-room school house relocated from northern Boone County.

The Belvidere Park District spans stretches of the Kishwaukee River and Mill Race. It's a great place for fishing, biking and playing tennis, and includes a playground, picnic shelters, pool, swinging bridge and the historic Baltic Mill.

Take a journey on the Illinois Lincoln Highway, a 179 mile National Scenic Byway. From the Indiana border, west toward the mighty MIssissippi, you will find an adventure filled with variety, rich in history and heritage. As you travel the Lincoln Highway route across northern Illinois, take time to discover each communities' unique culture and special offerings and find a past era woven together with the present.

The Boone County Conservation District manages over 3,00 acres of prairies, woodlands and wetlands in scenic Boone County, Illinois. Minimum impact recreational opportunities, special events and educational programs are offered to the public throughout the year.

Summerfield Zoo is home to a large variety of exotic animals, ranging from reindeer and monkeys to camels and mountain lions. We are proud to offer an up close and personal animal experience. While at the zoo, enjoy our education and fun animal encounter presentations. Summerfield Zoo is open selected weekends May through November.

We offer public and custom programs for children, adults, and families on our beautiful, organic farm to help build the local food system. Whether its a day camp or a cheese making workshop, participants gain hands-on experience preparing farm-fresh food, from field to table, while learning about organic agriculture and the whole farm system in the process. The Learning Center also offers farmer training and support to beginning farmers and facilitates youth-led urban agriculture projects in Chicago and Rockford.

Some of the many fun water attractions include the five-story Abyss (a dark tunnel tube ride), the two-person Splash Blaster water coaster, Tsunami Bay (Illinois' largest wave pool), Splash Magic River, and Little Lagoon for the tykes. The newest ride is the Double Dare Drop speed slides. Each slide drops riders 75 feet, making the thrill ride the steepest speed slide in northern Illinois.

The Illinois Lincoln Highway Coalition has produced many Interpretive Murals along the Illinois Lincoln Highway National Scenic Byway and its corridor in northern Illinois. The Genoa mural depicts the history, heritage, and events of the highway and its impact on Genoa and the other communities along the Illinois route.

The Natural Resource Center is located at Russell Preserve, and is open to the public on weekends. The Center offers a great stop for exploration and live animal viewing for all members of the family. The Center can be reserved by school groups and other organizations for outdoor educational field trips. While there, take a walk through Russell Preserve, beneath mature oaks and hickories, surrounded by woodland wildflowers. In the winter, Russell Preserve is a great place for tobogganning.

Enjoy 22 varieties of pick-your-own and pre-picked apples from August through October, breakfast or lunch in the Country Restaurant, a miniature train ride, carousel, petting zoo, gift shop and bakery, and seasonal events that include Applefest and Pumpkinfest.

Our farm market features a large variety of farm fresh family grown vegetables. Our sweet corn is picked fresh every morning when its the sweetest. Tomatoes, green beans, pickling cucumbers, broccoli, zucchini and other summer squash, a variety of specialty peppers are among the fresh vegetables we grow here on our farm. If fruit is what you are looking for, you will find our homegrown muskmelon, honeydew and watermelon delicious. We also carry Michigan peaches, pears, nectarines and other in season fruit from the Midwest. We are a working family operated farm. We want you to have a day on the farm experience when you stop by during the summer or the fall. Our tractor/sand box play areas are available all during the season. Our own animals are always here for you to visit, but we do bring in more during the fall season. In the fall we have our family grown pumpkins, gourds, corn shocks, Indian corn and other specialty decorations. Of course we will still have the fall veggies, squash and more, plus the continuing of the summer treats! KNOW YOUR FOOD! KNOW YOUR FARMER!

Walcamp Outdoor Ministries Family Camp would like to invite you and your family to come camping with us! Can host family reunions, company or church picnics, and many themed weekends! Situated on 177 acres of woods, fields, streams and ponds!

See top-name NASCAR racing on a quarter-mile, high-banked track. From Kid's nights to monster trucks, fireworks, fantastic NASCAR racing action, you will enjoy an exciting night of affordable family fun at Rockford Speedway.

Located near the I-90 tollway at Riverside Boulevard and Perryville Road, the Carlson Ice Arena features a 200 x 85 feet ice rink with seating for 600 spectators. This facility is also home to the Sapora Playworld, a three-level soft play structure designed for children ages 5-12 and a Tiny Tots Playspace designed for children 4 and under.
For fun, family-friendly-priced recreation, Rockford Park District's Sapora Playworld at Carlson Ice Arena offers discounted rates weekly on "Half-Price Tuesdays and Thursdays" at the three-level indoor soft play structure for ages 5-12.

With over 3,000 acres of rolling plains and two lakes, Rock Cut State Park is a hiker's paradise. It's also home to some of the best mountain biking in northeastern Illinois, offering 10 miles of dirt and sand terrain, doubletrack and singletrack trails. One of the loops is 4.25-miles, the Main Trail, which runs around Pierce Lake. Another loop snakes around the northeast corner of the park and leads through dense trees and hills.

Play miniature golf on the ground-shaking Volcano Course under the shadow of a three-story erupting volcano or take it easy on the nine-hole Palm Course. Sharpen your sports skills in batting cages and the area's only soccer cages; enjoy "combat" with your friends in the Laser Zone; and race around the Go-Kart track.

The major glacial feature at Marengo Ridge Conservation area is the Marengo Ridge, from which the site derives its name. Left by the retreating Wisconsin glacier, the Marengo Ridge moraine is 40 miles long and 3 miles wide, creating one of the steepest vertical moraines in Illinois, at 1,050 feet above sea level. This rugged, fire-protected topography supported wooded communities dominated by oak species. Site features hiking trails, campground, picnic shelters, scenic views, x-country skiing, and fishing.

This sugar maple forest provides the sweet sap necessary for annual maple sugar programs, and is also known for its magnificent display of spring wildflowers. Activities include hiking, x-country skiing, picnic shelters and scenic views.

Home of Winnebago County Fair, considered one of the best county fairs in the Midwest, plus The Pec Thing, a huge semi-annual flea market and antiques fair with acres of vendors inside and out. Various racing organizations use the Fairgrounds track for racing events.

Open August through November, come visit our farm this fall to share in our rustic culture and enjoy a taste of the season. Many varieties of apples to taste. Also available, in season, are raspberries, pumpkins, home-made goodies, and our famous apple cider donuts. Take a horse drawn ride out to the orchard to pick your own apples too. Family tradition starts here! There's a petting zoo too.

The Forest City Queen gives you an up close and personal glimpse of some of the most stately homes gracing the banks of the Rock River. You will hear about Rockford's humble beginnings on the Rock River and its continuing influence today. A variety of cruise options are available, from hourly narration tours, private rentals, family-style picnics, Ski Broncs performances, to elegant dining.

Trolley Car #36 is a turn-of-the-century, open-air trolley, the kind your grandparents might have taken to work, except you don't have to go to work. Board the Trolley at the Trolley Station in Riverview Park (on Thursdays, board at Nicholas Conservatory), ride along Madison Street beside the scenic Rock River Recreation Path, stop for a brief visit to the Eclipse Lagoon and Gardens, travel to the Symbol, then turn around and return to the Trolley Station. Trolley Car #36 is wheelchair accessible; however, the trolley is limited to 2 wheelchairs per ride.

Klehm Arboretum & Botanic Garden is a 155-acre living museum filled with spectacular gardens and rare trees. There’s beauty in every season from fragrant magnolia trees in spring and a butterfly garden in summer to the brilliant colors of fall and snow-capped evergreens in winter, when trails are cleared for walkers, cross-country skiers and snowshoeing. A 1.8 mile, handicapped-accessible paved path winds through the arboretum plus many secondary, chipped trails. Kids will have fun navigating the maze in the Children’s Garden. Klehm is dog-friendly and any leashed dog is welcome. Filled with four season beauty, Klehm Arboretum & Botanic Garden is waiting for you to explore.

There are 41 individual forest preserves for the purpose of protecting the natural beauty of Winnebago County, as well as for education and recreation. The forest preserves provide over 9,700 acres of property for the use and enjoyment of the general public. Lush woods, picturesque streams, dramatic cliffs and dells, unspoiled prairies and native wildlife are treasures to be enjoyed by residents and visitors of all ages. Hiking, camping, canoeing, picnicking, fishing, bird watching and cross-country skiing are recreational activities available at sites throughout the county.

Forty acres of woods and meadows for riders eight years old and up; trail rides--excellent for first-time or occasional riders--offered on weekends. Also in Lockwood Park: pony ring, wagon rides, hayrides, petting farm and riding lessons. Special season opening activities in the spring and Halloween hayrides in the fall. Call for hours, rates and group outing opportunities.

Considered a "must play" course in the Midwest, Aldeen has an impressive list of accolades, including being voted best municipal course in Illinois by Golf Digest, and ranking number 38 in Golf Magazine's Thrifty 50 list.

A popular 18-hole course on Rockford's south side, Sandy Hollow is a tree-lined fairway course with strategically placed fairway bunkers. One of the more challenging holes on the 6,228-yard course is No. 11, which requires a tee shot over a pond.

Nature lovers will enjoy 369 unspoiled acres with an unusual 90% concentration of native wildflowers, a paved path and 2.5 miles of trails. The Nature Center features a butterfly garden, gift shop, aquarium and library. The Grove is an area designed with the intent to bring children back to nature using fallen logs, tree stumps for seating, vertical logs for forts, and nature music and art areas.

The 52-acre adventure park and golf center will feature year-round activities for all ages.
Zip Rockford - Now open - If you are looking for a daring zipline escape for you, your friends or family, Zip Rockford provides an experience you will not forget. Fun for all ages within the weight range of 50-275 lbs. Brought to you by Rockford-based EBL Zipline Tours in partnership with the Rockford Park District.
Gateway Parks snow park is divided into tubing, skiing and snowboarding sections designed to accommodate riders of all abilities – from beginners to expert. Even the smallest visitors will be transported safely up the hillside on the Magic Carpet lift. Plus, snow making equipment will cover the park in fresh powder daily.
The First Tee of Greater Rockford provides educational programs that build character, instill life-enhancing values and promote healthy choices through the game of golf.

CoCo Key, one of Illinois' largest indoor water parks, is Rockford's home for any-weather family water park fun. Attached to the Best Western Clock Tower Resort and Conference Center, CoCo Key Water Resort makes for a perfect tropical family getaway. Explore over 60,000 square feet of indoor water park fun with three giant waterslides, Coconut Grove Adventure River, Parrot's Perch interactive Play Island, indoor/outdoor spa, kiddie pool with zero depth entry, 10,000 square foot Key Quest Arcade, private cabanas, birthday party rooms, and more

Anderson Japanese Gardens has been named one of the highest quality Japanese gardens in North America by Sukiya Living Magazine since 2004. Inspired by calm and tranquility, this 12 acre award winning landscape is comprised of koi-filled ponds, winding paths, gentle streams, cascading waterfalls, raked gravel gardens, beautifully trained pines, and more. Master craftsmanship and 16th century traditional architecture is found throughout the garden.

The museum campus consists of a Victorian village with 26 historical buildings filled with artifacts of the era as well as several beautiful 19th century gardens that depict life in northern Illinois from 1890 to 1910. Interpreters in authentic period dress are available seasonally for guided tours. The main museum building holds large group meeting rooms and exhibit space with a number of permanent exhibits reflecting Rockford's history and culture. Special events throughout the year include a World War II re-enatment, Sock Monkey and Scarecrow Harvest Festivals, and more. Free recreational path located on property.

Located on Rockford's far east side, Elliot is an 18-hole course with 6,443 yards of rolling terrain, large trees and spacious greens. A smattering of water hazards and sand bunkers make Elliot a challenging course for any golfer.

Situated along the banks of the beautiful Rock River in Sinnissippi Gardens, the Nicholas Conservatory & Gardens brings the tropics to the Midwest. The entire facility is the third largest conservatory in Illinois with a total of 22,000 square feet, and at the highest point stands 52 feet. A tropical setting includes an 11,000 square foot plant exhibition area complete with water features, seating areas, and sculptures, all in a tropical plant setting. Changing seasonal floral displays, a gift shop and special events; educational programs where children can learn the importance of plants; special workshops and lecture series for adults; the perfect place to host your event--small weddings, receptions, business meetings.

Nygren Wetland Preserve is a 721-acre tract near the confluence of the Rock River and Pecatonica River, making it an important stopover and nesting spot for many species of birds including Sandhill Cranes. The Natural Land Institute, a private, not-for-profit land conservation organization, owns the preserve and began restoration of prairies, wetlands and woodlands to the area in 2000.

Rivers Edge Campground has modern facilities in a rustic, historical area. Amenities include a Pecatonica River boat ramp, fishing on Pecatonica, Sugar and Rock Rivers, a private pond, pavilion, basketball and golf courses nearby.

A fascinating opportunity to see a wide variety of migrating birds banded and released. Special events in spring and fall, including the annual BirdFest in early May. Located in the Colored Sands Forest Preserve in the northwestern corner of Winnebago County. Colored Sands, site of original and restored prairies, is one of the most beautiful natural areas in northern Illinois.

Imagine a golden ball of Midwestern sun breaking on the horizon. As the night dew still clings to the vines and the grass in the pastures, a farm comes to life with the sights and sounds of morning. Hot coffee steeps in the pot. Hard-working farm-hands begin the daily chores. Horses whinny as the cool rush of morning air fills their lungs. The gently rolling hills are aglow with another new day. This is the beauty of horses and the magic of a vineyard.
Paddock Hills Equestrian Center is located with Prairie Orchard Farm vineyard in the majestic countryside of Union, IL, and is minutes from the I-90 expressway, but miles away from the hustle and bustle of the city and suburbs. Whether, attending one of our many horse shows, riding lessons, clinics, or programs, we are sure that your time with us will be well spent.

Our small family-run business is celebrating over 20 years of bringing your family the delights of the autumn harvest. Apple picking is a great way to spend a crisp autumn day with friends and family.
We planted our first 100 apple trees in 1996. Since then we have planted an additional 1900 trees.

Edwards West is a popular destination for families to enjoy the sights, tastes, and activities of an apple orchard and farm market. For a fun family outing, enjoy the experience of picking your own apples, pumpkins and raspberries. Visit the play area featuring the wooden bus and train, the corn cribs, the wagon slide and our animals in the "Petting Farm." Stroll through the over 100 year old dairy barn with displays of bright colored apples, freshly squeezed cider, fresh apple cider donuts, and wonderful gift items that are on display.

It's spring and we are open 8 to 6 everyday. We now have a great selection of vegetable plants, herbs, annuals, perennials, and hanging baskets. New plans are coming in every week. As always there is pottery, outdoor furniture, and fountains. Also, we have fresh asparagus direct from or farm. Come today and check us out!

Welcome to 100 acres of prairies, savannas, woodlands, wetlands, and ponds- otherwise known as Loyola University Chicago's Retreat and Ecology Campus. Located in beautiful Woodstock, Ill., our retreat facility welcomes guests to visit our ecologically friendly campus and experience the great outdoors through a multitude of interactive team building activities. The Retreat and Ecology Campus provides a serene setting for overnight conferences, retreats, workshops, classes, and special events, while allowing individuals to connect intellectually, spiritually, and through nature.

Take a wagon ride to the orchard where you will be surrounded by thousands of apples trees and 12 varieties of apples and pears. Enjoy seasonal activities like pumpkin picking and the corn maze. There is also a cow train, goat bridge, corn crib, giant swings, a spider web, jumping pillow and a petting zoo. The weekends even have pig races and a magic show for the kids. Take your whole family down for some apple picking and make sure to stick around for the many other activities.